Hideo Kojima, the renowned video game creator, recently shared an unexpected update on Physint, his upcoming spiritual successor to the Metal Gear Solid franchise. Earlier this year, Kojima announced his return to the stealth-action genre with Physint, a collaboration with PlayStation. While fans eagerly anticipated the project, Kojima clarified that its full development would commence after the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and OD, his horror game collaboration with Xbox. This implied a significant wait for Physint, but a recent update reveals some surprising progress.
Kojima’s message on X (formerly Twitter) provided insights into his projects, focusing primarily on Death Stranding 2. He also briefly mentioned Physint, revealing the casting process began earlier in 2024 but was subsequently halted by the SAG strike. Casting remains incomplete, with hopes to resume in 2025.
“In the second half of the year, scanning and filming were suspended due to the SAG strike. Casting was also suspended for Physint due to the strike,” Kojima stated. “We hope to resume next year. […] Thank you for your support this past year. Have a great New Year.”
The news of Physint‘s casting efforts is surprising, given the game’s projected release date of 2030 or later. It seems premature to finalize actors for a project likely in its early conceptual stages. However, considering Kojima’s history of collaborating with prominent Hollywood actors, perhaps this early casting strategy ensures their availability for the project’s future development.
Physint‘s early casting process raises interesting questions. Is this an indication of Kojima’s meticulous planning, prioritizing key talent acquisition early on? Or perhaps it signifies a more advanced development stage than previously assumed? Time will tell.
While Physint‘s development continues behind the scenes, a new trailer or teaser is unlikely for several years. Fans can, however, anticipate the release of Death Stranding 2 on PS5 in 2025. This upcoming title will undoubtedly hold fans over while they await further news on the enigmatic Physint.
In conclusion, the SAG strike’s impact on Physint‘s casting underscores the interconnectedness of the entertainment industry. While the delay is understandable, it adds to the anticipation surrounding Kojima’s next stealth-action masterpiece. We eagerly await updates on the project’s progress in the coming year.
Related: Hideo Kojima Apologizes After Lack of New Death Stranding 2 Reveal